North Fork

Pacheco Creek· Santa Clara, California· Built 1939· Earth· 100 ft tall
High Hazard Water Supply Irrigation Public Utility

Key Takeaway

North Fork is classified as high hazard in California. It was completed in 1939 and is 87 years old. Its primary use is water supply. High hazard means loss of life is likely if the dam fails — it does not indicate the dam's current condition. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 100 ft (taller than 82.2% in CA)
Dam Length600 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage6.2K acre-ft
Surface Area197 acres
Drainage Area67 sq mi
Year Completed1939 (87 years old)
NID IDCA00299

Safety Information

High Hazard

Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: No
Last Inspection: January 5, 2023
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DWR, Division of Safety of Dams

Ownership

Pacheco Pass Water District

Public Utility

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of North Fork?

North Fork is classified as High Hazard. Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates North Fork?

North Fork is owned by Pacheco Pass Water District (Public Utility). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was North Fork built?

North Fork was completed in 1939, making it 87 years old. Many U.S. dams were built between the 1930s and 1970s during a period of major infrastructure investment.

What is the primary purpose of North Fork?

North Fork serves the following purposes: Water Supply, Irrigation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is North Fork?

North Fork has a dam height of 100 ft. Dam height is measured from the natural streambed at the downstream toe to the top of the dam, and may differ from the visible height.

When was North Fork last inspected?

North Fork was last inspected on January 5, 2023. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.

Data from the National Inventory of Dams (NID) maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Dam conditions may have changed since the last update. This site is not affiliated with USACE. Do not use for emergency planning — contact your local dam safety program.